"I have the greatest confidence in Garry McCarthy and he'll do what he thinks is appropriate," Burke said.

Illinois' Most (and Least) Social Politicians

McCarthy said the cuts will save the city $650,000. In addition to the trimmed details for the city officials, security details for Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez and the Chicago Housing Authority CEO, a position previously held by Lewis Jordan, have been eliminated, he said.

Burke has had a security detail since receiving threats during the Council Wars of the mid-1980s, when he challenged the city's first black mayor, Harold Washington.

Even recently, Burke insisted he needed the detail after a man, Timothy Hercog, left him a threatening message.

"It just points out that there are some very troubled people in our society," Burke said back in February.